Two members of a family were killed and two others injured allegedly in army firing in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir in the wee hours of Wednesday, officials said.

H K Lohia, deputy inspector general of police, South Kashmir, said troops laid an ambush at Ahlan Gadola in Kokernag area when a family was returning home from their maize fields at around 1.00 AM.

He told PTI that army personnel allegedly opened fire on them in which two persons were killed and two others were injured.

Meanwhile, a defence spokesman confirmed the incident, saying the army was investigating the matter.

"The formation commander has rushed to the spot. A statement on the incident would be made only after he submits his report," he said.

The deceased have been identified as Mohammad Ashraf Naikoo (18) and his sister Misra (25), children of Hashim Ali Naikoo. The injured have been identified as Lateefa, daughter-in law of Hashim, and his son-in-law Abdul Karim. The condition of Karim, 60, is stated to be critical.